Key facts
- Scientists have developed a fluoride-free gel that can repair and regenerate tooth enamel.
- The gel mimics natural proteins to guide enamel growth using saliva's calcium and phosphate ions.
- Regenerated enamel has been tested to withstand brushing, chewing, and acidic foods.
- The startup Mintech-Bio aims for a product launch next year.
- Enamel degradation affects 50% of the world's population.
Scientists from the University of Nottingham have developed a new gel capable of repairing and regenerating tooth enamel, a breakthrough that could significantly advance dental treatments. The gel, which is fluoride-free, works by mimicking the natural proteins involved in enamel formation. When applied, it forms a protective layer that draws calcium and phosphate ions from saliva to promote the growth of new mineral crystals in an organized manner, a process known as epitaxial mineralization. This allows the regenerated mineral to integrate with the existing tooth structure, restoring both the architecture and properties of healthy enamel.
The research, published in Nature Communications, indicates that the regenerated enamel has demonstrated resilience comparable to natural enamel when subjected to conditions simulating tooth brushing, chewing, and exposure to acidic foods. The material also shows promise for treating exposed dentine, the softer layer beneath enamel, by growing an enamel-like coating that can reduce sensitivity and improve the bonding of dental restorations. Enamel degradation affects nearly half of the global population, leading to decay, infection, and tooth loss, and is associated with broader health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Currently, treatments like fluoride varnishes only alleviate symptoms rather than regrowing lost enamel.
Dr. Abshar Hasan, a lead author of the study, highlighted the material's integrated and organized crystal growth, which recovers the architecture of natural healthy enamel. The technology is designed for ease of application, scalability, and versatility, with the potential for multiple product types. The startup Mintech-Bio, founded by the researchers, aims to bring a product to market within the next year.